Steel Panther Release ‘Pussy Melter’ Pedal Following Controversy

Real life Spinal Tap-esque, parody metal band Steel Panther aren't content just to release albums, tour, get famous and bang groupies, moms and any other legal-age women they can find on the road, around L.A. Well, actually, they're content with all that, but now they want even more fame, money and chicks, so they've entered the music gear universe with their first product, the Pussy Melter guitar pedal, with that name already generating considerable controversy.

Last month, Danish audio equipment company, TC Electronic, stopped advertising the Pussy Melter patch after various female musicians, including Braids' Raphaelle Standell-Preston and Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner, objected to the name and description of the product. Subsequently, a petition was started by artist Jessica Fennelly. But the moniker has now resurfaced via the guitar pedal.

According to a band press release, the Pussy Melter was designed by Steel Panther guitarist Satchel in conjunction with It's Electric. This new pedal is "made in the USA" and "has four knobs and a toggle switch so guitarists of all genders can customize the 'Dirty,' 'Sizzle,' 'Booty,' and 'Load' parameters of the tone to their individual liking."

The box for the pedal features yellow bubble letters and the unit itself is hot-pink; it retails for $199.

"We respect and love the freedom of speech afforded to all citizens in the US," said the band in reaction to the controversy the name Pussy Melter has already caused. "We support the right for all people to express themselves no matter where they are in the world. We welcome all races, genders and sexual orientations at our shows - shows that celebrate everyone’s individuality through partying, and of course a love of heavy metal."

In addition to offering their First Amendment defense, Steel Panther plugged the product and addressed the origin of its name. "As clearly stated by Satchel when it was originally developed, the sound being created by the Pussy Melter tone pack was intended to bring pleasure to females who heard it," they wrote. "Steel Panther is happy to announce that we are now offering pleasurable eargasms to everyone. The Pussy Melter is now available for pre-order in our official store. This limited-edition pedal will only be available until Oct. 1, at which point orders will begin shipping.”

Each Pussy Melter effects pedal will come with a certificate of authenticity. Steel Panther will launch a North American tour tomorrow (Aug. 8) in Sturgis, S.D. Dates are scheduled through Oct. 28 in Charlotte, N.C., with more to be announced in the upcoming weeks.